Today saw Sydney local distillers extraordinaire Archie Rose release their latest limited whisky, The Archie Rose Ironbark Smoked Rye Malt Whisky. We were fortunate (crazy?) enough to be the first to try it across the bar and we are stoked to report it's actually bloody good.

A follow up release to their Smoked Gin launched in March 2019, Ironbark Smoked Rye Malt Whisky features smoked water created by melting huge blocks of ice in the wood-fired oven of Archie's neighbouring mates, Three Blue Ducks, using sustainably sourced NSW ironbark.

What really blew us away was a little experiment we conducted (for science of course) with a tumbler, a bunch of ice and some cola. In this case we paired the Archie Rose Ironbark Rye with PS40 Wattleseed Cola, and the results were amazing (even if we do say so ourselves. Just for the record the Archie Rose bar team were similarly impressed!).  Never be afraid to experiment with your whisk(e)y (it's your bloody whisky!) or accept judgement from 'experts' who frown on mixing with coke

The sweetness of the cola and the native botanicals really complement the mild, languid, smoky tang and sweetness of the Archie Rose spirit and the ice (and a small slice of orange) make it summer-y AF.

10/10 would mix with cola again.

Our tasting notes WITHOUT cola for the purists...

• Nose: Railway sleepers (old damp wood and metal)
• Honey dipped violets, freshly chopped gum tree
• Boiled sweets, charred pineapple

Palate: Melon rind, Serrano ham (meaty, fatty/waxy flavour), white pepper, basil, musk sticks.

Purchase this brilliant whisky from Archie Rose directly on their website!

Use "ARCHIETENOFF" for 10% off and free shipping.